Martin Lee
Martin Lee
Full Name and Common Aliases
Martin Lee Chu-ming is a well-known Hong Kong democracy activist who has been at the forefront of the city's pro-democracy movement for over five decades.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on April 6, 1934, in Guangzhou, China, Martin Lee passed away on November 20, 2020, at the age of 86 due to complications from COVID-19.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Martin Lee is a Hong Kong-born British citizen. He has been involved in various professions throughout his life, including law, politics, and civil service.
Early Life and Background
Growing up during the tumultuous period of Japanese occupation and subsequent Chinese Civil War, Martin Lee's family fled to Hong Kong when he was just eight years old. His father, a lawyer by profession, instilled in him the importance of fighting for justice and human rights from an early age. This upbringing laid the foundation for his future involvement in activism.
Major Accomplishments
Martin Lee is credited with co-founding the Democratic Party (DP) in 1994, which has played a significant role in promoting democracy in Hong Kong. He also helped establish the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, an organization that advocates for democracy and human rights in mainland China.
Notable Works or Actions
Lee's most notable work is his tireless efforts to promote democratic reforms in Hong Kong, including advocating for universal suffrage and greater autonomy from Beijing. His unwavering commitment to these causes has often put him at odds with the Chinese government. He was also a key figure in organizing protests against the National Security Law, which has been used to suppress dissent and silence opposition voices.
Impact and Legacy
Martin Lee's dedication to democracy and human rights has left an indelible mark on Hong Kong and beyond. His influence extends far beyond his native city, inspiring countless individuals worldwide who share his vision of a more just and equitable society. Through his activism, he has shown that ordinary people can bring about extraordinary change.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Martin Lee's quotes and statements are frequently cited in news outlets, academic journals, and social media platforms due to their significance and relevance to ongoing debates on democracy and human rights. His unwavering commitment to his ideals has made him an iconic figure in the struggle for democratic freedoms.
Quotes by Martin Lee
This is make-or-break time. The more people that come on the march, the more the government will have to do something about this.
I'm afraid, as a result of this visit of the prime minister to China, it looks like an economic foreign policy to me. It seems to me this is a visit with trade and commerce in mind and practically nothing else.
It's been going on for a while. It drains OK but since it's a flat line, it doesn't run so fast. She hasn't invited us to dinner yet.
The Beijing leaders have gone berserk about the possibility of our capturing more than half the seats.
It was easier than I thought it would be. I thought I would have to do a lot of shoveling.
They do not even purport to show what these defendants were doing. They only focus on one part of what went on that day.
Once the Provisional Legislature is set up, Beijing will control it. Beijing will be able to pass any laws it wants.